Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 begins at Sangai Ethnic Park

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 kicked off with Union Tourism, Culture and DoNER Minister G Kishan Reddy declaring the festival open at Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou on Monday. The festival is being celebrated at 13 different venues across the state and will continue till November 30.

Speaking at the occasion, G Kishan Reddy said he was fortunate to have met groups of 33 different communities in one place, who had come to represent their communities at the festival. He invited people across the country to visit the state and witness the beauty of the festival.

Appreciating Chief Minister N Biren, his cabinet colleagues, MLAs and other officials for organising the festival in such a grand manner, Reddy said he would convey to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the organisation of the festival.

Pointing out that the Central government has been taking up initiatives for the development of Northeast dtates, he said the prime minister has a big place for the people of Manipur.

G Kishan Reddy tweeted about the event at Sangai Ethnic Park, “Interacted with ‘Tourist Police’ at the ‘Sangai Festival 2022’, along with the Hon CM of Manipur Sh @NBirenSingh. Tourism police has been introduced to create a good environment at tourist destinations by assisting tourists & protecting their interests.”

Reddy informed that India would host the next G20 Summit and as such many big events would be held across the country. Some events will also be held in the state, he added. He also spoke on various developments taken up in different sectors under the leadership of the prime minister.

Chief Minister N Biren said the festival is celebrated as the “Festival of Oneness” to achieve unity through participation of all indigenous communities of the state and to encourage oneness, a sense of belongingness, and pride of ownership of the land among the people.

N Biren tweeted, “
It was indeed a great pleasure to join Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture, Tourism & Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER), Sh @kishanreddybjp ji at the inauguration of Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 at the Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur district today.”

CM N Biren appreciated all those involved in the preparation for the festival, especially the main venue Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou.

Among others, he lauded MLAs of Thanga and Moirang and their public for their support and cooperation and said the people did not seek even a single rupee as compensation for their land during the developmental work undertaken for the Sangai Ethnic Park.

He also read out a greeting from Governor La Ganesan for the successful conduct of the festival.

MP Rajya Sabha Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba raised concern over the small population of Sangai, classification of the Manipur Pony as endangered and the shallowing water of the Loktak Lake and drew the attention of the Union Tourism minister towards the issues.

“Our state government is trying its best. But we need more attention and kind help from the Union government to save this rarest species Sangai, this endangered species Manipur Pony and one and only fresh water lake in Northeast, Loktak,” he said.

Highlighting the tourism potential of the state, the MP said, “Our State is endowed with so many beautiful Natural tourist hotspots. If developed properly, Manipur could be a perfect tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists.”

“To increase the per-capita income of the state, we have to give serious consideration on Tourism. So the Union Minister is kindly requested to extend maximum help to our state in the development of Tourist Spots and Destinations. Your kind help will make a Great Push to the Economy of the State,” he added.

During the function, the coffee table book Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 of the Tourism Department and Manipur Today Special Edition on Sangai Festival by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations were released.

As a part of the inaugural function, the Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 theme song by Mangka Laihui was also rendered and cultural troupes also performed.

CM N Biren, accompanied by the Union minister, visited and interacted with representatives of different communities in front of their respective traditional huts, Sangai Ethnic Park.

Ministers, MLAs and chief secretary Rajesh Kumar among others attended the inaugural function.

Early in the day, CM N Biren inaugurated the Sangai Ethnic Park. The inauguration was attended by ministers, MLAs, chairman of boards and corporations and the chief secretary among others.